[arun_josie]

An unfortunate accident near Dindigul (On the way to Munnar) on Dec 2024:

Driving on our roads always comes with a risk of an accident no matter how careful you are, and no one wants to be on the bad end of an accident. But Scarlett met with an accident on December 25th while I was driving with my family towards Munnar, the accident happened near Dindigul (TN). Thankfully we all were safe and no one was injured including the other car members (XL6) and the biker who was involved in this accident.

A drive to Munnar was pending for ages and so I was looking forward to this drive. Our destination was 540 Kms from Bangalore and so we made an early morning start. One of my friends and his family were coming with us in their Seltos. As planned, we started by 4am. The traffic was not bad, but a bunch of cars were always around, it was probably the vacation crowd. We maintained speeds in the range of 80-90kmph and occasionally I was touching 100kmph. We stopped for breakfast at A2B (the one after Salem towards Namakkal) around 7:45am. This was a longer stop as the hotel was crowded.

ODO crossed 1,65,000 Km just after the breakfast stop



After we resumed, I continued with the same speed range and when we were getting closer to Dindigul, there was a XL6 little ahead of me on the right lane and I was on the left lane with no vehicles ahead of me. At this point, we both were approaching an intersection and a two-wheeler guy (75 year old man on a TVS 50 with an old lady in the pillion) who was waiting at the intersection to enter the road decides to cross . XL6 driver didn’t expect this move and to avoid the biker he quickly moved to the left lane but the two-wheeler guy just continued to cross the road which made the XL6 guy to brake hard. Thankfully, he was able to stop but still hit(mild impact) the two-wheeler.

Even as this was unfolding in front of me, I didn’t panic as I was sure that I will be able to brake and stop. However, when I applied the brake, I felt something unusual and knew that it won’t stop in time. The ABS kicked in, but the speed reduction was not as expected. Now with XL6 completely blocking my lane, I thought to go off the road but immediately realized that there was a deep ditch right off the shoulder of the road. So, I had to steer (thanks to ABS) back towards the XL6 and hit the left rear. All this happened in split seconds.

During the contact, we didn’t feel anything more than a slight nudge inside the cabin. But the TPMS triggered an alert almost immediately indicating a flat front right tyre and when I got out to check the damage, I realized that the damages were more than what I thought. I expected a flat tyre and a dented bumper at most. But what I saw was a caved in wheel arch along with the flat tyre. It could be probably because the XL6 guy was holding the brakes during the impact. Also, he had a bull bar.





Initial observation:

I checked the two-wheeler first and he was fine. The passengers in the XL6 were fine too.

I was clueless on why I couldn’t stop as expected. One reason could be that there was water spilled on this intersection on the left lane. Probably some water tanker had just crossed this location a few minutes before. My braking point was right on this water part and the water was spread across a few meters. The AT tyres just couldn’t take this despite decent tread depth and ended up with increased braking distance.





Also, there was no damage on the right-side tyre but the alloys had cracked. This was strange as the impact was not on any sharp object.I checked the underbody and couldn’t see any leakages.

The crack on the alloy



There is no video clip because, few days before this trip, I changed the dashcam to 70mai. After changing the dashcam I was still using the old SD card as I was able to view the dashcam videos from mobile app then. I didn’t try to download these videos and test. Now when I downloaded the videos, they play but the video is not available. However I was able to view the clippings in the emergency directory via the mobile app. It had just the last 4-5 seconds before the impact. But again, once I move the file to laptop or upload to youtube, it doesn’t play. This is probably because the old SD card is not compatible with the 70mai dashcam. I have put the supported one now after this accident.

Negotiation:

The XL6 guy and the 2-wheeler guys were locals and they were having a heated argument between them as the two wheeler guy blamed the XL6 for not letting him cross the road. His argument was that he already waited for 5 minutes patiently and then decided to cross the road.

In a few minutes the police and one local political party guy came to the scene. After some discussion which took some time, I agreed to pay some compensation amount to the XL6 guy.

Towed my Jeep to Madurai:

The nearest Jeep authorized service center is in Madurai. So, I spoke to the ARAS Madurai Jeep service center manager and told him about this accident and the visual damages. He clearly instructed me not to drive as it may lead to insurance issues later. Especially if the damage gets aggravated during the drive then insurance can reject the claim. So, they sent a flat-bed tow truck to tow my Jeep to the Madurai service center. This is around 70Km from the accident location.

It took around two hours for the flat-bed tow truck to arrive at our location. During these two hours, we decided to continue our trip in a taxi as we had the rooms already booked for our trip. One of my known travel agent from Kanyakumari helped me to arrange a Dzire taxi from Dindigul.

Once the flat-bed arrived, we loaded the Scarlett on it and I accompanied the driver in the tow truck. It took us one and a half hour to reach the service center.



Good Samaritan at the accident spot - Local Mechanic:

When I started to remove the tyre to replace it with the stepney, one mechanic who was crossing that spot came to us and volunteered to replace the tyre. Even though I was fine with doing this task, he still showed intention to help me. So, I moved away to let him replace the tyre and went to resume my discussion with the other parties. There were some heated negotiations, and it took a while to come to a compromise. When that finished, I looked for the mechanic to thank him, but he had left by then. Initially I thought he might demand money for this but later I understood that his intention was just to help and didn’t expect anything from us. It’s very rare to see such people during times of crisis.

Initiating the insurance process (Future Generali):

Thanks to the manager Bala at the Jeep service center, the technicians quickly checked the extent of damages and confirmed that there are damages to the suspension, link rod, steering rack etc. So, I did the documentation work for the insurance (filling the required forms and writing a letter describing the accident) and also handed over the Original copy of the RC and my driving license.

[arun_josie]

About the repair work @ ARAS Jeep Service Center(Madurai):

Once I handed over the vehicle, I prepared myself for a delay of up to 1 month for the delivery. This was because of the year end shutdown in the factory which will delay the parts order and the Pongal(Sankranti) holidays in Tamil Nadu. As expected, the parts order was placed on Jan 2nd/3rd and then the Pongal holiday extended the duration.



Parts replaced (accidental repair):

Below are the parts replaced as part of the accidental repair work.

• Front Suspension (RH Side)
• Tie Rod Stablizer (RH Side)
• Head Lamp (RH Side)
• Steering Rack
• Alloy Wheel (RH front)
• Torsion bar front
• Swinging Arm Lower Control (RH Side)
• Front bumper
• Panel Fascia/Front bumper lower
• Tow Hook
• Wheelhouse splash (RH Side)
• Fender (RH Side)
• Bracket Fender mounting front
• Moulding Wheel Flare
• Metal Covering Radiator Closure
• Mudguard (RH Side)
• Dent repair and Painting

Parts replaced based on request:

Since the right-side suspension parts were replaced, I had asked them to replace the same on the left side as well. It didn’t make sense to hold these parts on the left side as they had never been replaced till now. And few other works was involved which was not part of the accidental repair.

• Front Suspension (LH Side)
• Tie Rod Stablizer (LH Side)
• Swinging Arm Lower Control (LH Side)
• Wheelhouse splash (LH Side)
• Brake Pad (Front)
• Coolant
• AC Cleaning

Issue while removing PPF from bonnet:

They had to remove PPF on the bonnet to work on the dent and repaint it. So, while removing the PPF the glue got stuck to the bonnet which they found tough to remove. The good thing was the paint didn’t come off but it was an issue with the glue. This was not a big concern as repainting was anyway required. However, this issue would have been a concern if PPF was removed just for replacement of PPF.



Billing/Insurance (Future Generali):

Accidental repair cost came around 2,03,000/- and out of this, I had to pay 5,000/- (approx.) as mine is a Zero deprecation policy. If it was NOT a Zero deprecation policy, then I would have ended up paying another 73,000/-. Thankfully I had the Zero deprecation policy.

Other parts replacement and miscellaneous work came to 47,000 /- (approx.)

Taking Delivery:

With the payment delay from the insurance, I decided to do the payment upfront in total and take the delivery. I did a 40Km test drive on all kinds of roads to make sure that everything is in place. I couldn’t find any major issues, so I decided to take the delivery and return to Bangalore.
Scarlett with the parts that were changed.



First look after a month, it was definitely a different kind of feeling to see my Scarlett after such a big gap.



During the return drive to Bangalore, I maintained a speed of 90-100 with no aggressive acceleration. At one point I started noticing a slight play in the bonnet whenever the car went over a speed breaker or uneven surface. I decided to get this checked in Bangalore later. Apart from that I was fine with the mechanical parts of the car.

The alignment was perfect too. There was no left/right pull and it was going arrow straight on the straights.

The new suspension had made a big difference to the ride quality, no harder thud sounds on rough and bad roads anymore and its smoother while going over the speed breakers.



Regarding the repainting on the bonnet, I am happy with the color match but could spot rough/blurry finish on the bonnet.

There is a random squeaking sound during acceleration which needs to be fixed.

Overall, the car drives like before if not better due to the new suspension and I am very happy with this.



Bad experience with Future Generali:

Good thing about FG was they did the initial survey on day 2 itself and gave approval to proceed with the parts order. However, even though I had cashless option, they denied cashless giving some vague reason.
The work got completed by the 3rd week but this cashless issue went for another one week and finally I went ahead and did the payment using my credit card. They promised to credit the amount within two days but later kept delaying saying various reasons. None of their reasons were convincing and they took another 25 days to credit the amount.

The worst part was, whenever I followed up with them, they kept saying that the payment process has been initiated, and the amount will get credited in 24-48 hours. But it took 25 days.

Their escalation manager and their escalation process are useless too.

Feedback about ARAS Jeep service center, Madurai:

I never had any big interaction with these guys before this accident. There was one instance when I had a glow plug issue (probably a year back) and so I stopped here while I was returning to Bangalore. At that time, they quickly replaced the glow plug under extended warranty. It was a good experience for me.

They didn’t disappoint me this time as well. From day 1 till the delivery after the repair work, they kept me updated with the status. Overall, I am happy with the quality of the work.

A big thanks to the Manager Balakumaran and his team.

Also, thanks to the Jeep customer head Mangesh who put me in touch with Bala on day 1 and later followed up with them about the status as well.

[arun_josie]

Tyre Replacement at Madhus, Bangalore:

Even before this incident I had decided Continental AX6 as my next set of tyres. After this incident I didn’t want to wait anymore despite acceptable tread depth. So, the first thing after the return was to change the tyres and I went directly to Madhus after checking the availability of Continental AX6.

The tyres cost me 44K. I replaced the damaged TPMS as well which cost 1300/-

I have done 4000Kms after this tyre change and on the highways this feels better than the previous GoodYears. When it comes to the comfort level and the noise on cement roads, these tyres are way ahead of the GoodYear tyres. I could feel the difference in braking as well, the grip level is much better now. GoodYears are good for mild off-roading and on bad roads too. I have not tried any off-roading in continental so far.

The old tyres



The new set





I have already picked up one puncture.



ODO is getting closer to 1,70,000 Kms

[abirnale]

Originally Posted by arun_josie

An unfortunate accident near Dindigul (On the way to Munnar) on Dec 2024:...

Glad that everyone is safe and no fatalties to anyone including the TVS50 senior as well as folks in XL6 - Lucky escape for senior for sure. Our roads are filled with idiots.

Knowing you to be a safe driver and yet having to face this type situation reminds us all that accidents can happen but staying alert and driving defensively can reduce the harm significantly.

Glad to see you and scarlett back in action - wishing you many more happy and safe miles together.

[Kashi053]

@Arun, quick question.

1. I know about conti Lx2 cross contact. How is AX6 different compared to lx2?
2. Is Ax6 available in 215/60 R17?

[puneetakhouri]

Originally Posted by arun_josie

Even before this incident I had decided Continental AX6 as my next set of tyres.

Great choice, even I run AX6 on my Storme (235/70R16). Since it is 16" hence price was somewhat 8.2k per tyre.
I have done 2 years and 25k kms on them and I must say they are very good highway tyres with very less road noise and good dry and wet grip. Also the tyres seem to have enough tread depth in them after 25k kms. Lets see how long they last.

[starlord]

Originally Posted by arun_josie

Even as this was unfolding in front of me, I didn’t panic as I was sure that I will be able to brake and stop. However, when I applied the brake, I felt something unusual and knew that it won’t stop in time. The ABS kicked in, but the speed reduction was not as expected.

The compass brakes don’t bite quickly enough. Not for the heft of the car, which you can feel as a driver. I’ve been in the misfortune of grazing a cab with my old compass, hit an Alto K10 which decided to stop midway while making a right turn. I was doing about 50 kmph and swerved left at a distance of 20-30 feet but still nicked the left rear of the alto.

I’m surprised with the amount of damage to your car. I just had a cracked headlight cover while the alto’s left rear light and some parts of the bumper just crunched.

[arun_josie]

Originally Posted by abirnale

Glad that everyone is safe and no fatalties to anyone including the TVS50 senior as well as folks in XL6 - Lucky escape for senior for sure. Our roads are filled with idiots.

Yes, thankfully they were no injured.

Glad to see you and scarlett back in action - wishing you many more happy and safe miles together.

Thanks for your wishes avinash!

Originally Posted by Kashi053

@Arun, quick question.

1. I know about conti Lx2 cross contact. How is AX6 different compared to lx2?
2. Is Ax6 available in 215/60 R17?

Sorry, I didn't explore LX2 as it doesn't come in 225/60/R17

Originally Posted by puneetakhouri

Great choice, even I run AX6 on my Storme (235/70R16). Since it is 16" hence price was somewhat 8.2k per tyre.
I have done 2 years and 25k kms on them and I must say they are very good highway tyres with very less road noise and good dry and wet grip. Also the tyres seem to have enough tread depth in them after 25k kms. Lets see how long they last.

Thanks for the feedback!

Originally Posted by starlord

The compass brakes don’t bite quickly enough. Not for the heft of the car, which you can feel as a driver. I’ve been in the misfortune of grazing a cab with my old compass, hit an Alto K10 which decided to stop midway while making a right turn. I was doing about 50 kmph and swerved left at a distance of 20-30 feet but still nicked the left rear of the alto.

I have done such emergency braking before as well, but this one felt little different with less deceleration . I think it was probably because of wet surface + aged AT tyres.

I’m surprised with the amount of damage to your car. I just had a cracked headlight cover while the alto’s left rear light and some parts of the bumper just crunched.

Yes, even I didn't expect such major damage. Most of the replacements were due to minor bends or cracks.

[handsofsteel]

I suspect that a bulk of the damage on your car would’ve been due to the illegal bull bar on the XL6.

[rosh_aveo1.4]

Glad to see that everyone involved is safe. I was wondering though, how old is your car? If it's more than 5 year was surprised, you got Bumper to bumper coverage...as I understand beyond 5 years very rarely you get that option from insurance.

[na_agrawal]

Originally Posted by rosh_aveo1.4

Glad to see that everyone involved is safe. I was wondering though, how old is your car? If it's more than 5 year was surprised, you got Bumper to bumper coverage...as I understand beyond 5 years very rarely you get that option from insurance.

Off topic and not related to Compass, but since you have asked, my Hyundai I20 Active is 2017 model and just last month I got a Zero dep policy issued for it. Others were ranging around 6k and zero dep was 10k on policy bazaar. I happily accepted the zero dep offering.

Both my other cars, 2022 Vento and 2021 Compass are also on zero dep.

[rosh_aveo1.4]

Originally Posted by na_agrawal

Off topic and not related to Compass, but since you have asked, my Hyundai I20 Active is 2017 model and just last month I got a Zero dep policy issued for it. Others were ranging around 6k and zero dep was 10k on policy bazaar. I happily accepted the zero dep offering.

Both my other cars, 2022 Vento and 2021 Compass are also on zero dep.

Oh ok thanks. But I had a very tough time with anything from Policy Bazaar. Had an accident with my Tigor and it was freaking difficult to get anything done through PB. They gave me some local contact number in Delhi to coordinate as they weren't helpful (told me to take it to local garage but since it was new I stuck with Tata). Long story short, coordinating with a bunch of guys from the insurance company wasn't easy and finally had to resort to sending mail to IRDA to escalate things. Stopped myself working with PB ever since as they weren't supportive. My experience could differ from others but now got a local contact who gives the same or lower rate compared to PB. And can contact her anytime when I need help which I did when I had my accident with the Jeep few years back.

[na_agrawal]

Originally Posted by rosh_aveo1.4

Oh ok thanks. But I had a very tough time with anything from Policy Bazaar.

My experience with PB is polar opposite to what you have endured.

A biker hit my i20 active last year (no zero dep last year), and I contacted PB to start the claim. The end to end process was seamlessly completed in 2 weeks flat. I just had to print and sign and scan a ton of documents and send it to United India insurance via email. I was happy that PB handled everything since United being a govt body is extremely slow and pathetic.

Second incident was also last year when some low-life miscreant damaged my Vento's rear quarter panel with a sharp stone and I had to get it repainted. Got full money reimbursement from Bajaj Allianz (zero dep) and PB handled everything. The fact that VW dealership did a shoddy repaint job is another story

[arun_josie]

Originally Posted by handsofsteel

I suspect that a bulk of the damage on your car would’ve been due to the illegal bull bar on the XL6.

Yes, there is a chance of that.

Originally Posted by rosh_aveo1.4

Glad to see that everyone involved is safe. I was wondering though, how old is your car? If it's more than 5 year was surprised, you got Bumper to bumper coverage...as I understand beyond 5 years very rarely you get that option from insurance.

Originally Posted by na_agrawal

Off topic and not related to Compass, but since you have asked, my Hyundai I20 Active is 2017 model and just last month I got a Zero dep policy issued for it. Others were ranging around 6k and zero dep was 10k on policy bazaar. I happily accepted the zero dep offering.

Both my other cars, 2022 Vento and 2021 Compass are also on zero dep.

I have to renew the insurance soon as I will be entering the 7th year of ownership, almost every insurance provider is ok to give a Zero Dep policy provided there is no claim in the current year. I checked with ICICI, HDFC, Royal Sundaram, Tata-AIG, Godigit, Acko etc.

However Future Generali is Ok to give a Zero Dep policy, but considering the current experience, I am wondering whether I should continue with them.

[Vaibhav]

Hi Kashi,

As far as I know, Continental LX2 is an old pattern that fits more with the HT family of tires. Sooner or later, this pattern will be phased out to make way for the new Generation of articles.
I think the new pattern replacing this would be Continental Comfort H/T.

The AX6 is a new product that is going in the direction of AT pattern/capabilities.